Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their lists of the greatest titles of 2025. But what about the flops, the underperformers? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving appraisals that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in almost every category, notably in a year packed with stellar racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward title grammar is a minor strike against it. This compilation of retro platforming games features a sarcastic feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre in their time and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a curious contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler was met with significant backlash from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to mimic a rolling-collection gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The developers consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, accepting that contemporary players might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its development was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues included repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull series of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, offering a rare contrast.
